Lexington, KY (May 8, 2025) — In a major victory for land conservation and historic preservation in the Bluegrass region, over 700 acres of the iconic Elmendorf Farm in Fayette County have been permanently protected through a conservation easement donated by its owner Hardscuffle, Inc. and co-held by Bluegrass Land Conservancy (BLC) and the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC).
Finalized in April 2025, the easement ensures the long-term preservation of one of Kentucky’s most celebrated Thoroughbred farms—renowned not only for its equine legacy but also for its exceptional historic and agricultural significance. Elmendorf Farm features numerous historically significant structures, significant scenic byway frontage along Paris Pike, and sits on some of the finest agricultural soils in the state.
“This conservation easement represents a shared commitment to honoring Kentucky’s past while protecting its future,” said Ashley Greathouse, Counsel and Director of Conservation at BLC. “Preserving Elmendorf safeguards not only an irreplaceable cultural landscape but also ensures that this extraordinary farmland remains productive and undeveloped for generations to come.”
Margaret Graves, Board Chair at BLC, emphasized the importance of the achievement, stating, “The Elmendorf easement is a remarkable accomplishment. I am thankful to the landowner whose steadfast determination to conserve this property led it to work with BLC and KHC to achieve their goal to protect this amazing farm in perpetuity.”
The Kentucky Heritage Council recognized Elmendorf Farm as a key site due to its architectural integrity, landscape features, and direct ties to Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry. The farm received National Historic Register designation in March 2023 and has been home to some of the most influential stallions and bloodlines in racing history. It retains original barns, stone walls, and residences that reflect more than a century of equine heritage.
“Hardscuffle, Inc. is proud to own this beautiful and historic farm,” said Gerald W. Gerichs, president and CEO of Hardscuffle. “After this property received National Historic Register designation, this was the natural next step in preserving this property for many years to come,” he added.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Hardscuffle, Inc. for their vision and commitment to preservation and conservation,” said Craig Potts, KHC Director and State Historic Preservation Officer. “The placement of this perpetual easement on Elmendorf Farm now ensures that future generations of Kentuckians will inherit a signature piece of our internationally recognized equine heritage. We are proud to partner with the Bluegrass Land Conservancy and Hardscuffle, Inc. to steward the preservation values retained by this iconic historic property.”
“This project is a model of how partnerships can protect both the natural and historic resources that define Kentucky,” said Zachary Osborne, Easement Coordinator at KHC. “We are excited about the public-private collaboration that made this vision a reality.”
Elmendorf Farm continues to operate as a working farm, and the easement allows for agricultural activity while protecting the landscape from subdivision or incompatible development.
About Bluegrass Land Conservancy
Bluegrass Land Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust working to protect the Bluegrass region’s farms, natural lands, and rural character—forever. Media Contact: Jessie Hancock, Executive Director, Bluegrass Land Conservancy, 859-255-4552, JHancock@BluegrassConservancy.org
About the Kentucky Heritage Council
An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC) serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the Commonwealth.
Read the article on The Lexington Herald Leader HERE
